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JAIN RAMAYAN
she said in a serene voice; “Dear sister, Kanakodari! What is this? What happened ? Why are you weeping ?” But Kanakodari could not give any reply. She had nothing to give in reply except sighs, sobs and repentant tears. She wept bitterly. Her heart was filled with anguish. Her white, bright face had grown black and blighted with sorrow and repentance; and she was sobbing in deep grief :
"Dear sister! Why are you weeping thus ? What happened?" Queen Lakshmivati asked her in a serene and tender manner. Kanakodari's eyes had grown red with weeping. A few moments passed. She stopped weeping only after she heard the comforting words of Queen Lakshmivati.
“Dear sister! I have committed a great offence against you. I am so greatly ashamed of my action that I cannot even show my face to you”. She again sobbed and continued :
"Sister! It was I who stole the image of the Paramatma. On account of my sinful action, you have had to experience agitation and anguish. It would have been better if I had died before committing this heinous action". Even now she was sobbing and weeping. Her sorrow knew no bounds.
By this time, King Kanakarath, the Chief Minister, the commander and citizens gathered there. When they heard Kanakodari's words, they were all greatly amazed and shocked. They whispered to one another and began condemning Kanakodari. Queen Lakshmivati requested all those people except King Kanakarath by means of a wave of her hand to leave the place. Accordingly, all except King Kanakarath left the chamber. Queen Lakshmivati understood the whole situation and said in a non-committal way putting an end to the problem :
"Sister ! This is not your fault. Jivas who are in the power of Karmas sometimes commit such mistakes. You need not be agitated over this.”
"No, no, sister! All this anguish has resulted only from my blunder. I am a sinner. I could not tolerate your fame and
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